11 



STATEMENT OF 



ROBERT F. SMITH 



BEFORE THE 



SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS AMD NDTRITION 



MARCH 25, 1993 



Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this hearing today. 



As you know, I have be a strong and vocal spokesman for production 

 agriculture. It has always been my view that the role of this Committee, and 

 that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, should be the assist, promote and, 

 when necessary, defend the farmers and ranchers of this nation. 



The federal spending conunltment for agriculture research has remained 

 relatively flat for some time. Its about $1.3 billion today, adjusted for 

 Inflation, Its about the same as we were spending twenty years ago. 



And, given the current budgetary climate, this Is not likely to change 

 In the near future. As federal resources for agrlcultxire continue to 

 contract, we must reexamine our priorities to ensure we are focusing on the 

 needs of production agriculture. 



The Clinton Administration's proposals will doubtless lead to Increased 

 costs for farmers. One analysis I have Indicates the Clinton plan will cost a 

 typical wheat ranch In Oregon an additional about $12,000 In new fees, taxes 

 and program benefits. If production agrlculttire Is to remain competitive on 

 the world market, research will have to help provide the tools. 



Tightening budgets also Increase the urgency of ensuring that each 

 dollar spent on research, regardless of Its source, contributes to the overall 

 effort. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Is tinlquely placed In the 

 agriculture research commxinlty to coordinate research In order to prevent 

 waste and duplication. It may make sense to strengthen this role. 



And finally, we must take on the responsibility of watching other 

 research, both In the private sector and In other departments, which have 

 implications for agriculture. This returns to my original assertion about the 

 Importance of being the advocate of production agriculture. 



The Department of Health and H\iman Services, the Environmental 

 Protection Agency, the National Resources Defense Council and other 

 organizations simply don't care If their research, no matter how faulty, 

 adversely Impacts agriculture. The Alar debacle Is a perfect example. NRDC's 

 amateurish study cost the apple Industry $100 million that year. 



Mr. Chairman, these are the thoughts I will have In mind as we receive 

 testimony from today's witnesses. 



